Fibromyalgia Myofascial Release

Dr. Daniel Wallace, author of "Fibromyalgia: An Essential Guide For Patients and Their Families," notes that the disease affects about 2 percent of the U.S. population (3 percent women, .5 percent men). Fibromyalgia sufferers have difficulty sleeping, their work lives are disrupted, and they are frequently misunderstood and told "it's all in your head."
Treatments include everything from diet and lifestyle adjustments to prescriptions for antidepressants. Because fibromyalgia consists of non-localized pain in the soft tissue (fascia), one useful treatment is called myofascial release, developed by Dr. Janet Travell, a personal physician to John F. Kennedy.

Fibromyalgia: what it is

• Although 2 percent of Americans have full-blown fibromyalgia, Dr. Wallace notes that between 11 percent and 20 percent have chronic regional or widespread pain. Because the pain is not in the joints or bones, it is not arthritis. As a result, many doctors have not known how to treat it for many years. Finally, in 1990, the American College of Rheumatology developed specific criteria to define fibromyalgia. To be considered fibromyalgia, pain must be chronic and widespread. Sufferers also report sleep disturbance, headaches, bowel complaints, numbness and tingling, fatigue, and weakness.

A brief history: why fibromyalgia can be misunderstood and mistreated

• Because fibromyalgia was ill-defined for many years, and because it affects soft or connective tissue (i.e., muscles, ligaments, tendons) many well-meaning physicians were not certain how to treat fibromyalgia. Before the 1980s, the syndrome was considered "fibrositis," implying inflammation, even though it is now known that there is no inflammation involved. Because many doctors train at hospitals, but most sufferers of fibromyalgia do not end up in hospitals, there is little contact with this syndrome in physician training. Allopathic, or traditionally trained, doctors can and do treat fibromyalgia, but specialists in soft tissue--such as chiropractors, physical therapists and massage therapists--are often the best medical professionals for this syndrome.

What is myofascial release?

• Specialists in soft tissue, including massage therapists, physical therapists, osteopaths and chiropractors, have techniques that can help this syndrome. One of these is called myofascial release, or the "trigger point" method. This technique was developed by Dr. Janet Travell, and her manual "Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual"--written with Dr. David Simons--is considered the standard for this technique. Basically, the technique describes the fascia as interconnected throughout the body, using metaphors like plastic wrap or rubber bands. Therapists understand that if the pain is localized, for example, in the lower back, a trigger point must be manipulated elsewhere on the body. A highly trained massage therapist or physical therapist will know exactly which trigger point to manipulate, and how to manipulate it to provide relief for the client.

What to know about this treatment

• Myofascial release was originally developed in the 1930s and, in many cases, knowledge was handed down from teacher to student without formal training. It is a standard of care for many physical therapists and massage therapists. However, before being treated with this method, patients should make certain that their therapist is board-certified and licensed. Myofascial release is a hands-on technique, and patients should feel relief after treatment.